Pre-SIHH: Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap

Smart phone technology is finding its way into even the most traditional and long established of the Swiss maisons. Now Montblanc introduces the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap. The e-Strap is an interchangeable bracelet with integrated technology that offers an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and even a “Find-Me” function. The device connects via Bluetooth Low Energy to selected Android and iOS smartphones. This enables the owner to wear a high-end mechanical timepiece combined with the latest in digital functionality. The new collection extension contains three new models including a chronograph and a UTC.

The e-Strap device

Smart notifications. Incoming communications can be read without the need to look at the smartphone. Notifications include the preview of e-mails by topic and sender, read text messages, see incoming calls and status updates of social media feeds or reminders of upcoming meetings, and all can be accomplished with a quick glance at the wrist.

Activity tracker. This tool monitors the wearer’s physical activity and keeps track of personal daily goals. For example, it measures the number of steps taken per day, calories burnt and the distance travelled. The smartphone application enables regular checking of progress per week and month. The e-Strap reminds the wearer to stay active via vibration alerts and shows daily progress at a glance.

Remote control can control the smartphone with the e-Strap. For example, the camera remote enables the taking of pictures with the smartphone by triggering the shutter with a tap on the e-Strap enabling the taking of easier selfies or group shots. Music can be played, paused, or skipped on the smartphone remotely steered controlled with the music control function of the e-Strap.

The Find-Me function is perfect for those occasions when you have mislaid your phone or your watch. It enables searching for either within a range of up to 30 meters, either by tapping on the e-Strap to find the smartphone or by using the smartphone application to find the watch.

The e-Strap device has an in-built touch screen display, readable in daylight, to display the information and navigate through the functionalities. The device is contained in a rubber protected stainless steel case and can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through strap.

The device can be charged every 5 days or less depending on usage, with a standard micro-USB cable. The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Note 4, selected Android Devices running Android 4.3 and upwards as well as Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 plus.

The Leather e-Strap

The TimeWalker collection e-Strap is equipped with a pass-through strap made from Montblanc Extreme Leather. The Extreme leather wristband, created by the Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence, perfectly matches the timepiece. It’s a high-performance strap using innovative leather, which is scratch proof, heat, wear, water and fire-resistant. The e-Strap device can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through to all strap sizes 20/22mm.

The collection comprises three new models, each equipped with mechanical automatic winding movements, a chronograph, a UTC (United Time Coordinated) with a second time zone and a three hander watch with hours, minutes, seconds and date. TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap models will be on the market from June 2015 with or without the e-Strap device.